Inquest Delayed Over Medical Records Search
The inquest into the death of former Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has been adjourned for a second time in 2026, with the hearing now set to resume on 7 December. Assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright KC apologised to Cusack's family at Chesterfield Coroner's Court, explaining that the delay was necessary to allow the club to produce documents linked to the player's medical records.
Quick Facts
Who: Maddy Cusack, 27, former Sheffield United and England youth midfielder
What: Inquest into her death adjourned until December
When: Hearing opened 29 June 2026, adjourned 9 July 2026; rescheduled to 7 December 2026
Where: Chesterfield Coroner's Court, Derbyshire
Reason: Coroner requests documents from Sheffield United related to Cusack's medical records, including Microsoft Teams and Google Drive searches
Background: A Tragic Loss and a Family's Fight for Answers
Cusack was found unconscious by her father at their family home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September 2023 and was pronounced dead the same day. The midfielder had spent six years with Sheffield United, making over 100 appearances, and also worked as a marketing executive for the club. Her death sent shockwaves through women's football, with tributes pouring in from across the game.
In the weeks following her death, Cusack's family submitted a written complaint to the club, outlining issues they believed stemmed from her working relationship with then-head coach Jonathan Morgan. The inquest has heard testimony alleging Morgan made comments about Cusack's weight and personal life, with her mother Deborah describing him as her daughter's "nemesis."
Key Testimony and Allegations
Grace Riglar, who played for the team and was in a relationship with Cusack, told the court that Cusack was "anxious" about Morgan's arrival at the club after her difficult experience under him at Leicester City, where he had previously released her. Morgan, however, denied any concerns, stating he was "really happy" to have Cusack in his squad and had offered her a full-time contract.
Contradicting that stance, the inquest heard that Morgan had told the Football Association that Cusack was "generally a liar" and had "omitted a lot of information" when recounting his behaviour to her family. The court was also told by Sheffield United's doctor, Dr Subhasis Basu, that Cusack's medical records from her time at the club had been lost.
Adjournment and Next Steps
Assistant coroner Sophie Cartwright KC told the family: "I know how long you have waited for this inquest. I genuinely am sorry to the family and the properly interested persons. The hope we would finish today or tomorrow will not take place for reasons you know." She confirmed that witnesses, including Dr Basu and team physio Francesca Carr, would be recalled, and that Cusack's mother could also be asked to give further evidence.
The resumed inquest is expected to last five days, beginning 7 December 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The inquest into Maddy Cusack's death has been postponed until December to allow Sheffield United to locate medical records and communications.
- Cusack's family alleges a toxic working relationship with former head coach Jonathan Morgan, whom they claim made derogatory remarks about her.
- Morgan told the FA Cusack was "generally a liar" and disputed the family's account, creating a stark conflict of testimony.
- The club's doctor admitted Cusack's medical records had been lost, raising serious questions about duty of care.
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health and player welfare in women's football.